Dental Antibiotic Stewardship Program

Does antibiotic prophylaxis prevent distant site infections?

Antibiotic prophylaxis generally does NOT prevent distant site infections but reduces the amount of bacteria in the bloodstream. It may reduce the risk of Infective Endocarditis for high risk patients for certain invasive dental procedures. Learn which procedures and understand where antibiotic prophylaxis is potentially beneficial and where it is not in Modules 1, 2 & 4. REGISTER HERE

Can being labeled penicillin allergic lead to worse dental and medical health outcomes?

Yes! 90-99% of penicillin allergic patients are not truly allergic, yet even if not truly allergic you are at higher risk of surgical site infections (including after oral surgical procedures), C. difficile infections and methicillin resistant staph infections (MRSA).

Is it necessary to delay dental care for a patient who has received a prosthetic joint replacement?

Find out the answer and how to discuss this issue with your patients and orthopedic colleagues by viewing Module 1. REGISTER HERE

Will antibiotics help decrease pain for patients with a pulpitis or periapical pathology?

NO! Find out why and how to inform patients that antibiotics will not only not lessen their toothache but may cause them significant harm and even death by viewing Module 4. REGISTER HERE

Are you writing your antibiotic prescriptions to “take until gone”?

If so, you may be increasing the patients risk for antibiotic resistance and C. difficile infections as well as putting yourself at risk medico-legally. Learn appropriate antibiotic use and dosing schedules by viewing Module 3 & 4. REGISTER HERE